I don’t think it can be explained, and I kind of like it that way. In the middle of a run-of-the-mill block on West 38th Street at the edges of the old millinery and trimming districts is this building replete with massive terra cotta Roman Centurion’s helmets. The letters “SPQR” are there in sharp relief below some of the helmets. “Senatus Populusque Romanus” the Latin for the Senate and People of Rome. Best place to see it without scaffolding? The dressing rooms at the Men’s department of Lord and Taylor, another fine old building.

View of the terra cotta Roman Centurion helmets brought to you by Dan Allen.